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[INTERNATIONAL] · Chile, Brazil · 100 sources

Chile's historic July storm kills three, cuts power to 530,000 homes

A powerful frontal system, intensified by an atmospheric river, struck central and southern Chile in mid‑July 2026. The storm produced record rainfall, winds up to 160 km/h and caused severe flooding, landslides and structural damage across ten regions. At least three people died, a hundred homes were destroyed and more than 400 000 households lost electricity, with the total number of customers without power later reported at around 530 000.

Emergency authorities carried out forced evacuations, deployed municipal crews, the military and the National Disaster Service (SENAPRED) to monitor rivers and protect vulnerable communities. Saesa and other utility firms dispatched dozens of crews to restore electricity, focusing on towns such as Puerto Montt, Calbuco, Frutillar and Maullín. Local governments in Coquimbo, Viña del Mar, Algarrobo, Maule and other communes activated emergency operations, closed a Santiago Metro station, and warned residents to secure homes and prepare emergency kits.

Meteorological agencies in Brazil confirmed that the same atmospheric river will not reach Brazilian territory in the next five days, noting that Brazil’s upcoming weather will be driven by a separate low‑pressure system over Argentina and Paraguay.

Sources

Inmet afasta rio atmosférico do Brasil [www.brasilemfolhas.com.br]
5 days ago
- Juárez Noticias [juareznoticias.com]
4 days ago